In an unexpected and delightful moment, Queen Elizabeth II seemed to channel a bit of Keeping Up Appearances’ iconic character, Hyacinth Bucket, during this year’s royal garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Known for her impeccable fashion sense and unfaltering efforts to appear as though she belonged to the highest echelons of society, Hyacinth’s style and personality were all about making a statement.
And on this particular occasion, The Queen’s outfit at the garden party mirrored the social climber’s signature look so closely that it was impossible not to draw comparisons.
Hyacinth Bucket, played by the legendary Patricia Routledge, spent five memorable series, 40+ episodes, and even a memorable dance around the QE2 with her beloved Onslow, constantly striving to impress those around her and make it to the top of the upper class. Her pretensions of grandeur were a hallmark of the show, with one of her most famous quotes being: “It’s so much harder for those of us who really are superior.”
In the latest royal appearance, The Queen seemed to be channeling some of Hyacinth’s aspirations of elegance, taking part in one of the year’s grand social events with a look that could have come straight from Hyacinth’s wardrobe. At the garden party, The Queen was seen wearing a beautiful floral dress, paired with a matching pink hat and pearls, a combination that was certainly reminiscent of the kind of look Hyacinth might wear when preparing for one of her own candlelight suppers.
The elegant, refined outfit was topped off with white gloves, a fitting homage to the Keeping Up Appearances character, whose attention to detail was second to none.
Fans of Keeping Up Appearances couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the Queen’s outfit, seeing in it an unintentional homage to the beloved character. The parallels were striking: Hyacinth’s character would undoubtedly have approved of such an ensemble, seeing it as the perfect way to show off her “class” to the guests attending her social gatherings.
While The Queen may not have been trying to imitate the well-known character, the resemblance was undeniably strong. Perhaps, in a lighthearted moment of royal fashion, the Queen was offering her own version of a wink to the fans of the show who have adored Hyacinth’s antics over the years.
It wasn’t the first time The Queen has drawn comparisons to Hyacinth. Throughout the years, her composed public appearances have occasionally called to mind the well-meaning but often delusional character, especially in moments where The Queen’s royal responsibilities are paired with a subtle emphasis on propriety and etiquette.
The Queen’s visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the garden party is an annual event, where royal family members host thousands of guests for a day of celebration, networking, and community. It’s a major event in the royal calendar, known for its grand atmosphere, distinguished guests, and beautiful backdrop.
This year, The Queen was dressed to impress, clearly aware of the attention her outfit would garner. The floral dress, pink hat, pearls, and white gloves created a picture-perfect look that could have easily been lifted from one of Hyacinth Bucket’s social gatherings, where everything was meticulously planned down to the smallest detail.
In fact, Hyacinth would have likely considered this look a triumph. In her mind, she would have seen it as the epitome of high society dressing, just the type of attire one would wear to host the most refined of garden parties.
Hyacinth’s character, who was always seeking the approval of those she deemed “upper class,” would surely have viewed the Queen’s attire as a prime example of what it means to be truly elevated in society.
It’s not lost on fans that this royal nod to Hyacinth comes at a time when Keeping Up Appearances remains a beloved classic. The show’s legacy, which continues to bring joy to viewers around the world, has lived on in reruns, social media memes, and even in the way people discuss fashion, class, and the art of making a social impression.
Hyacinth Bucket, despite her pretensions and sometimes misguided views on social status, remains a favorite character for her relatability, her unshakable confidence, and her ability to make people laugh.
The Queen’s appearance at the garden party reminded the public of the enduring impact that characters like Hyacinth have had on our cultural consciousness. It’s a testament to the show’s staying power and the beloved portrayal of Hyacinth by Patricia Routledge.
Whether or not it was intentional, this subtle fashion moment was a delightful reminder of how pop culture, fashion, and the royal family can occasionally collide in the most unexpected ways.
